Media release – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, 25 February 2021
Introducing the General Biosecurity Duty
Tasmania’s reputation as a premium producer of agricultural and seafood products, and as a leading tourism destination, is reliant on a rigorous and effective biosecurity system.
The landmark Biosecurity Act 2019 emphasises the importance of shared responsibilities and the need for government, industry and the community to work together to help protect Tasmania from the impacts of pests, weeds and diseases.
Following extensive industry and community consultation during development of the Act, and as part of a staged implementation plan, the General Biosecurity Duty (GBD) is expected to come into effect on 31 March 2021.
“The General Biosecurity Duty will operate as a statutory ‘duty of care’ in respect to biosecurity and reinforces that everyone has a role to play in protecting their business, our primary industries, and our unique environment against biosecurity risks,” Biosecurity Tasmania acting general manager Rae Burrows said.
“This will mean that all Tasmanians will have a duty to take all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent, eliminate, or minimise biosecurity risks when dealing with any biological matter or carrier, if they ought to know that there may be a biosecurity risk.”
The GBD also applies to visitors to Tasmania and to individuals and businesses who import biological material or equipment into Tasmania.
“In practical terms, this means that you do not need to be a biosecurity expert, however you do need to know about the biosecurity risks that apply to your specific industry, business, work environment or pastimes – and how to manage and minimise those risks to the best of your ability,” Ms Burrows said.
For many biosecurity stakeholders, the introduction of the GBD will not change the way they go about their daily business or recreational activities as they already have a good understanding of biosecurity requirements and recognise the need to have good systems and processes in place to manage their biosecurity risk.
Biosecurity Tasmania will be delivering an ongoing awareness campaign to help the community better understand the GBD and how to meet their GBD obligations.
“Understanding and meeting your GBD responsibilities will help protect your business, our primary industries, the environment and our way of life here in Tasmania,” Ms Burrows said.
“We all have a General Biosecurity Duty to help protect Tasmania from pests, weeds and diseases.”
For more information go to www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/gbd
